| The B-52 Pro-Audio speakers described in this instruction manual are intended for use directly on the floor, ground or stage. The ACT-1515X |
| described in this manual should NEVER be flown. This model is intended primarily for use in mobile installations. A flyable version of the |
| ACT-1515X, the ACT-1515XF has flying hardware installed which is suitable for suspending a single ACT-1515XF. |
| Repeated exposure to direct sun will significantly shorten the useful life of the loudspeaker system. Avoid exposing the system to |
| the elements whenever possible. Long term exposure to rain, high humidity and/or ultra violet rays will cause premature aging to the speaker |
| system. Prolonged use of the ACT-1515X(F) outdoors or in high-moisture areas can damage the speaker system and amplifier. |
| | | | Because of the forces needed to reach high SPL’s at low frequencies, the |
| FEATURES & BENEFITS |
| intense vibrations of the woofers may cause the cabinet to move during a |
| • New 15-160 Driver specifically designed and manufactured for the | performance. When placed on slick surfaces such as polished wood or smooth |
| ACT-1515X active systems. | These woofers are optimized for both | tiles, the speaker may move (walk off the stage) during use. Precautions should |
| efficiency and low frequency performance | be taken to ensure the speaker system does not fall or slide off a stage or raised |
| • New Large format Waveguide - optimized for the longer throw | surface. A high friction surface, like carpeting, works best to prevent this. |
| required from a large cabinet. Waveguide provides ideal radiation | | Make sure cables routed to and from the ACT-1515X(F) (and |
| impedance to its compression driver (Selenium D-210) down to 800hz | any other connected loudspeakers) are secured with great care to prevent |
| • New Amplifier! - The new Class H ACT-1515X amplifier is designed to | accidents. Use all normal and necessary means to insure a safe performance! |
| deliver 1000 watts of power without sacrificing sound quality or | USING THE ACT-1515X(F) WITH A SUBWOOFER |
| reliability. | | |
| • System Equalization | - built into the amplifier to act as the perfect | In order to use the ACT-1515X(F) with a subwoofer, an electronic crossover must be |
| complement to the system loudspeaker components | placed between the mixer and the power amplifier stages of the respective speakers. |
| • Compression circuitry - of high sophistication allows impressive SPLs | This will divide the signal by frequency range, and route the appropriate range of |
| while minimizing the | risk | of damage to either the amplifier or | frequencices to the appropriate devices. Our recommendation for a starting point is |
| 100 hz. You can experiment with different frequency settings of the crossover to find |
| loudspeakers | | |
| | | what works best for you. Since “the best” setting will depend on a number of factors, |
| • Cabinet construction - | Legendary B-52 cabinet quality and reliability; |
| there is no one correct answer for this question. Those factors influencing the best |
| road worthy and professional grade. |
| choice of crossover point are: |
| • Painted finish - For a lasting appearance the equal to or better than | • | Spectral distribution of the music. |
| cabinets costing much more | | • | Relative efficiency of subwoofer vs full range system |
| • Premium sound quality - With extraordinary output for less money | • | Maximum power available to full range and subwoofer system |
| than its competitors, the hallmark of B-52 speaker systems. | • | Low frequency compression of subwoofer |
| | | | • | Room acoustics |
| | | |
| | | | • | Position of listener(s) |
| | | | • | Physical distance(s) from full range to subwoofer |
| | | | • | How much bass the DJ likes.... |
| | | | Since some of these parameters are not within our control, (especially the last one) the |
| | | | best method is to set the crossover frequency so that both amps tend to go into clipping |
| | | | at about the same time. Otherwise when one will compress, the other will not, and the |
| | | | result will be a level dependent shift in the spectral balance of the music. |
| | | | | Keeping your levels set so that the amps go into clipping as infrequently as |
| | | | possible will give your speakers, amplifiers and ears a longer life, and is our advice. |
| | | | HEARING DAMAGE |
| | | | AND PROLONGED |
| | | | EXPOSURE TO |
| | | | EXCESSIVE SPL’S |
| Amplifier Module Precautions | B-52 Pro-Audio speakers can produce sound |
| levels high enough to cause permanent hearing |
| Do not attempt to service the ACT-1515X(F) by yourself. Refer all servicing to a B-52 | damage to performers, production crews or |
| Pro-Audio Authorized dealer, or other qualified servicing personnel. | people in the audience. Hearing protection |
| Service may be required if and when: | | devices are recommended for use where long- |
| • The ACT-1515X(F) has had liquid spilled or objects have fallen inside the speaker system. |
| term exposure to high SPLs is not avoidable. |
| • A heavy object(s) has/have fallen onto the speaker |
| Remember, if it hurts, it is definitely too loud! |
| • The cabinet, amp or speaker has been damaged |
| • The speakers have been exposed to excessive rain or moisture | Long exposures to high SPLs cause first |
| • The cabinet has been dropped hard enough to cause damage | temporary threshold shifts; limiting your ability |
| • The amp has failed to turn on and has AC mains power available | to hear the actual loudness and exercise good judgment. Repeated long term exposure to high SPLs can and |
| • The amp or speaker(s) does not operate normally or as it should |
| WILL CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSSES! |
| • Keep your ACT-1515X(F) amplifier away from any heat source. |
| | |
| • Do not cover your ACT-1515X(F) amplifier so that the heat sink is partially or totally obstructed; doing so | Please note the recommended exposure limits (right) in Table G-16. More information about these |
| will likely result in amplifier overheating, triggering the shutdown or failure of the amp. |
| • In the unlikely event that the amp is being run so hard and long as to cause it to continually go into protect | limits is available on the US government Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) website at: www.osha.gov |
| mode and shut down, this result can be moderated by employing a fan to blow air (the colder the better) | The table (above) is shown at: |